KUCHING: Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said his ministry will look into giving out awards for Sarawakian artists who have made a name for themselves and elevated the state to a higher level.
“We will look into this matter because there has always been a committee for recommendations for certain things that someone has done for the state, whether in sports, arts, and other industries”, he told the media after a walkabout to the Kuching Waterfront Jazz Festival (KWJF) Street Mural at Riverside Majestic Hotel Astana Wing, here yesterday.
Using local mural artist Leonard Siaw as an example, he said mural artists have contributed to Sarawak in terms of promoting the creative arts as well as tourism and therefore should be considered.
“If it goes through, I will give my support because he has done something good and this will encourage more mural artists to do so. This will make them feel appreciated.
“When they feel they are being appreciated, they will continue to make better things for Sarawak”, he stressed.
Siaw has painted many murals around the city, such as the eye-catching orangutan mural on the wall of the Singgahsana Lodge at Temple Street.
He also painted the KWJF Street Mural, which is on the wall of the Riverside Majestic Hotel Astana Wing.
Meanwhile, Siaw said he has been in the mural-painting industry for six years and went into it full-time since he quit job three years ago.
“I have been involved in this industry for six years and
during that time, I also worked in a company. After I quit my job, I’m now in it full-time,” he said.
He pointed out that among the challenges that he faced was the unpredictable weather, especially the scorching heat and heavy rain.
“Therefore, it took me five weeks to complete this KWJF Street Mural as the type of paint that I used is water-based,” he further explained.
Siaw also revealed that the recommendation to give an award to him — if made into reality — would be much appreciated.
